Automation & Innovation Manager

Job Title: Automation & Innovation Manager

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Alderley Park or Edinburgh Waverley Gate

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

Closing date: 1st June 2026

 

We’re looking for an Automation & Innovation Manager to play a key leadership role in transforming how our Customer Operations function works. Sitting within our Automation Centre of Excellence, this role is all about identifying, prioritising and delivering intelligent automation and digital solutions that improve service, reduce cost and build a future‑ready operation.

 

You’ll lead and develop a team of automation specialists, own a healthy pipeline of high‑value automation opportunities, and oversee the end‑to‑end delivery of initiatives across the automation lifecycle.

 

This is a high‑profile role with regular exposure to senior leaders across the Chief Operating Office, ideal for someone who combines strong people leadership, programme management experience and a genuine passion for automation, digital innovation and continuous improvement.

 

 

About the role

 

• Lead and develop a team of Automation & Innovation colleagues, creating a strong culture of delivery, quality and continuous improvement
• Own and manage the Customer Operations automation backlog, ensuring a healthy pipeline of prioritised, high‑value opportunities aligned to business priorities
• Oversee the end‑to‑end delivery of automation and digital initiatives, providing robust programme, cost and benefit management
• Work closely with Operational SMEs, Technology, Data and Change teams to identify, design and shape scalable automation solutions
• Translate complex processes and requirements into clear, actionable designs and business cases that support effective delivery
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across Customer Operations and the COO function, providing clear insight into progress, risks and benefits.

 

 

About you

 

• Proven experience leading teams and delivering automation, digital or transformation initiatives in an operational environment
• Strong programme or project management experience, with the ability to manage priorities, budgets and benefits end to end
• Solid understanding of automation, digital and AI tools (such as Power Platform, Copilot) and how they apply to real business problems
• Experience analysing processes and customer journeys, translating complexity into clear requirements and practical solutions
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence and collaborate with senior leaders across operations, technology and change
• A customer‑focused, improvement‑driven mindset, with the ability to balance quick wins with longer‑term transformation

 

 

About Royal London

 

We’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.   

 

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve. 

 

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance. You can see all our benefits here - Our Benefits  

 

Inclusion, diversity and belonging 

 

We’re an Inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.